• It can be hard for the user to keep track of how much alcohol they drink. By sticking to one type of drink, and not mixing different strength drinks, the user can control how much alcohol they consume.

• There are guidelines on how many units of alcohol an adult can drink a day before risking their health. These are 2-3 units a day for women and 3-4 for men. However, these guidelines do not apply to young people. Adult bodies react differently to alcohol and the adult liver is larger.

• Alcohol makes people feel less inhibited. However, users can end up feeling very down.

• Because of the way alcohol affects the brain it can make the user feel different at different times. The effects can be unpredictable.

• Using alcohol to try to escape from problems doesn’t work. Whatever is bothering the user will still be there when they sober up.

• Alcohol affects co-ordination. This can lead to accidents.
Drinking in a safe environment, at home with family or friends, can help to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Alcohol impairs driving skills, so never get into a car driven by someone who has been drinking.

• Overdose (drinking far too much) can lead to loss of consciousness and death. When unconscious, users risk choking on their own vomit. This can also KILL.

• Long-term over-use can lead to serious liver, heart and stomach problems.

• Alcohol abuse has been linked to violent crime and sexual harassment.

Mixing alcohol with other drugs is DANGEROUS.